Zoombinis Logical Journey :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Definitely not Windows XP compatible

2008-05-04
I am glad that I tried to set this game up before my grandson came for the weekend. It is definitely not XP compatible. I followed their instructions for converting the XP settings on my computer to a compatible setting. The game did start to work but was very choppy and incomplete. I also did not like the theme of the game. Creatures doing mean things to other creatures. I was very disappointed with Broderbund and The Learning Company. Customer service was also very poor.

Love the Game, But You May Encounter Problems

2008-03-18
I first played this game when I was in elementary school. I loved it then and, after playing it again after so many years now, I still love it. I would highly recommend it for parents with young kids and for those nostalgic adults like myself out there. The puzzles are excellent and grow more complex and difficult as the game progresses to keep the player challenged. Furthermore, the graphics (while no longer very modern by 2008 standards) are easy on the eyes and the voices are clear and even rather entertaining at times (although, in the version I have now, the sound tends to skip every so often). However, the explanations and clues provided by the game for the puzzles are not always particularly helpful, especially since the company apparently no longer makes this game with an actual manual included. If you encounter problems in that regard, I would recommend Googling for an online walkthrough or FAQ about Zoombinis.

Unfortunately, with the version I bought from Amazon.com here, I could not initially get it to play after installation. Despite what they might advertise, you may still run a chance of encountering technical errors that could render the game essentially useless. Fortunately, there are possible ways to fix this awful dilemma, at least for Windows XP users (as this is the system I use; I'm sorry, but I don't know what can be done for Mac users who are encountering trouble). You can run the Program Compatibility Wizard, which a quick Google search will bring up information about and how to start. Or, you can go to the game link on your Start -> Programs menu, right-click on it, click on Properties, go to Compatibility, and select the correct setting under Compatibility mode. I set it to Windows 95 for this game, and it appears to work just fine now. But, be warned - these methods sadly may not solve every case.

Zoombinis: Logical Journey is an excellent game, if you can get it running. There are some errors that you may encounter, and the game isn't as spiffy sight- or sound-wise as the newer games you'll see on the store shelves these days. But what Zoombinis lacks in modern features, it makes up for in charming puzzles, an interesting storyline, and rather addictive game play. I would advise some caution in buying this game if you have never played or seen it before or are not at least a little technically savvy or know someone who is, as you could potentially be let down. Otherwise, I love this game and highly recommend it for those interested. I hope this review helps parents, teachers, and other shoppers alike in their purchasing decision.

Great game for the kids

2008-03-14
The kids picked it up in no time (ages 9 & 6.) Me, I couldn't figure it out but at least they enjoyed it. However they beat it in one day.

zoombinis

2008-02-16
The game arrived in a timely manner. The overall game itself is a little complicated but otherwise fun.

awesome

2008-01-18
This is an excellent learning game, my 8 year old son was playing it at school and it was all he talked about, I had trouble finding the game in town and finally found on the internet. He has not stopped playing it, HE LOVES IT!!!!

Doesn't Work

2008-01-05
Travel to a remarkable new world and treat your brain to an outlandishly fun and challenging adventure. Embark on a dangerous trek strewn with mind-bending puzzles. Learn important life skills and more as you lead the Zoombinis to freedom in Zoombinis Logical Journey!

Mac OSx+ Users: Skip This Title!

2007-12-02
Although this product states it works with Mac OSx...it does not. Both of our macs spit the disk out promptly as it was incompatible and/or unreadable. It looks like a great game but, we'll never know. Hopefully the developers will address this issue.

"Mia's Math Caper" might be a great alternative to this title if you're a Mac user.

Doesn't work!

2007-09-08
I just purchased this software based on the reviews, but no matter what I did I could not get it to work on my computer. I did everything support websites advised, and nothing worked. I think this software is for six year old computers and systems, not updated ones.

6 year old likes it very much

2007-08-28
I bought this for my 5 year old that just turned 6 last week. She has played it a lot and enjoys the way she can make the Zoombinis look anyway she likes. She caught on very quickly on how to play most of the journeys. Some journeys are harder than others so she asks for help with those but then once she understands it she has no problem.

very nice CD!

2007-08-06
Thanks for your quick mailing. I plan to use this CD with second graders, and the game should fit their age group nicely.
JH